Using theTransfer Pakaccessory that was bundled with the game, players are able to view, organize, store, trade, and battle their own Pokémon uploaded fromPokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, andPokémon Yellow. One of the main focuses of the game is the completion of the four stadium cups, each of which is a series of three-on-three Pokémon battles against an ordered lineup of opponents. Another battle mode called Gym Leader Castle allows battles against the eight Kanto gym leaders and the Elite Four. Other features ofPokémon Stadiuminclude mini-games, versus-style battles, a hall of fame, compatibility with theGame Boy Printer, and a built-in emulation function forPokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, andPokémon Yellow.

Pokémon Stadiumwent on to become one of the Nintendo 64’s best-selling titles, reaching one million copies sold before the end of 2000. Critical reception of the game was mixed, with critics praising the game’s visuals but finding fault with the audio quality. A sequel,Pokémon Stadium 2, was released in English-speaking regions in 2001 as a counterpart for the next-generationPokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, andPokémon Crystalgames.